[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 107 (Friday, July 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING ROBERT P. ``BOBBY'' KOCH ON HIS PROMOTION TO PRESIDENT AND 
             CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE WINE INSTITUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 18, 2003

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert 
P. ``Bobby'' Koch and congratulate him on his recent promotion to the 
position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Wine 
Institute. Bobby is no stranger to many of us. He has long been the 
voice of the Wine Institute here on Capitol Hill, and prior to that he 
was an employee of this body, serving Representatives Coelho and 
Gephardt, ending his service in this House as Mr. Gephardt's Chief of 
Staff.
  It is a clear sign of Bobby's ability that the Board of Directors of 
the Wine Institute did not hesitate to appoint him to replace John 
DeLuca as President and Chief Executive. I know that they will not be 
disappointed that they have put their trust in Bobby's capable hands. 
The wine business is a $33 billion a year industry in California and it 
is a crucial part of the state's economy. An industry this large needs 
a clear, united voice both here in Washington and across the country, 
and I know that the Wine Institute will continue to provide this voice 
under Bobby's leadership. Bobby will always be the first person I turn 
to when I need to know the viewpoint of the industry.
  Bobby has not limited his contributions to California's wine 
industry. He has been an active member of his community for many years. 
Bobby is a member of the USDA Agricultural Policy Committee for Trade, 
and also serves on the Boards of the National Commission Against Drunk 
Driving, the Council on American Politics at George Washington 
University, the Congressional Wine Foundation, and the California State 
Society. He has also worked tirelessly to raise millions of dollars for 
worthy causes, including efforts to cure Crohn's disease and colitis 
and the National Children's Hospital.
  He has managed to accomplish all of this at the same time that he and 
his wonderful wife, Doro Bush Koch, have raised a family of four great 
children. I am sure that he considers his family to be his greatest 
accomplishment of all.
  Mr. Speaker, it is truly a pleasure for me to be able to honor the 
accomplishments of Bobby Koch, a great leader for the Wine Institute 
and a dear friend as well. I wish him many more years of success as he 
takes on this exciting and challenging new role.

                          ____________________